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Yellow, Pink and Green

Submitted by RaoulTGIF on Sat, 08/12/2017 - 06:27

August 11, 2017Death
Wish"we and the people there
pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem."
– Acts 21:12

It looks like I will
be going to Nigeria around Thanksgiving. Yup! My good friend John
was able to get a grant that will be sending a team of us to spread the
concept of entrepreneurship to that nation with 80% unemployment. Was
I excited? Fearful is a more accurate description. I told John
that I was willing to give my seat to anyone else who wanted to take my
place (that's code for "get some other dummy"). But John insisted
that I go. So ... I go!

My wife wondered "why
you?" (Funny, I asked John the same thing.) "Why do it?"
When I told her it was going to help a lot of people she kept quiet.

"But it's not
safe!"

"At least I have
life insurance ... if they ever kidnap me, don't pay any ransom!
I'll just have my head cut off ... problem solved! Your retirement? –
solved! My back problem? – solved! " She didn't think that was
funny.

But seriously, it's
not dangerous where we are going ... at least John said so. You can trust
John, right? And if anything were to happen to me, my assistant could
take over my responsibilities. My wife could tackle whatever else needs
to be done. My kids are grown and already independent. They don't need
an old fogy to interfere with their lives.

I guess I'm being
melodramatic. But can you blame me? I'm not looking forward to the 18
hour plane trip. Nor the pollution of kerosene and rattling sound from
the generators. And who wants to starve from the lack of Western food?
Oh, what are you doing to me John?! With friends like John, who
needs enemies? Good thing I love the guy.

When I think about
the people – the genuine smiles of those college kids – the
little inconveniences go away.

Swarmed by our fans
during our 2015 trip in Nigeria

Having been there
already I have an inkling of what Nigeria needs. Since my first trip I
have consulted with experts in different fields. Sadly, instead of getting
answers I got more questions and doubts. Instead of a road to progress
I see roadblocks in the form of weak infrastructures and political shenanigans.
But I mustn't give up. If God would grant me my wishes, I would want to:

help solve the
perpetual blackouts

connect people
to a reliable internet source

bring seeds to
start crops of the best variety

establish a coop
to market their produce

be the inspiration
of many small businesses, etc.

Are you a dreamer
like me? Sucks, doesn't it?

TGIF people!

Yellow,
Pink and GreenContributed by
Tom of Pasadena, CA

Mujibar was trying
to get a job.

The Personnel Manager
said,
'Mujibar! You have passed all the tests, except one. It is a simple
test of your English language skills.Unless you pass it, you cannot qualify
for this job!'

Mujibar said, 'I
am ready!!!'

The manager said,
'You must make a sentence using the words Yellow,
Pink, and Green.'

Mujibar thought for
just a few minutes and said,
'Mister manager, I am ready! I'm so excited!!!

The manager said,
'Go ahead.'

Mujibar said,'The telephone goes green,
green. And I pink it up, and say,
Yellow, this is Mujibar!'

Mujibar now works
at a call center for AT&T!

No doubt you have
spoken to him! I know I have.

UPDATE: In case you
were wondering about about the 12 homes that needed internet connections
in my intro last week ... well, the installers finally came Thursday!!!
The homes will be having their internet soon. It must have been the power
of the press and social media. Yay!!! Thanks to all who passed the
email around.

TGIF Videos

Handsome
DancerSent by Peter Paul of Pasadena, CA

I don't know
if it was the silliness or the weirdness but something made me laugh.

Thanks Raoul. John is a great Companion for what you are planning. You have the Spirit and courage of the Apostles and what you are trying to do will assist people in that region and could spread.Be cautious and Prudent but giving yourself to such a venture in commendable. I Will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.